I used drugs for 11 years. I literally was hopeless. I thought my life would be in and out of institutions/jail. Constantly hurting my family – stealing, lying, cheating, doing anything to get the next drug. I could not sit in my skin for one moment. Finally, I had enough of the pain. 16 months ago I did drugs for the last time and I went to treatment and something just clicked. I wanted to live. I wanted to be a person and the best part is I started it little by little becoming a person. I would say today life isn’t the best but I love my life. I wake up, I feel spiritually fit, I enjoy coffee, I enjoy the weather, I enjoy talking to people, I love being active in a conversation and genuinely listening to my loved ones. I literally want to spread hope to let people know that if this addict can get clean, anyone, I repeat anyone, can lose the desire to do drugs. I’ve overdosed eight times. My mom has had to bring me back along with the paramedics. I overdosed so much one summer. All the EMTs and the women in the hospital started to recognize me and still that wasn’t enough. Actually surrendering is huge. Finally saying “I don’t know how to do it. Can I get help. Can someone help me.” with that willingness. It has saved my life being so broken and torn and hating waking up every day. It has saved my life and I love my life. I cherish my life and I just want everyone to know there’s hope.